1941 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004

Description

Cross-referenced as FS-103 in the Fivaz-Stanton catalog, this 1941 Philadelphia Mint Washington Quarter DDO-004 is among the most recognized doubled die varieties for the date. The doubling produces medium spread and extra thickness on LIBERTY and the date, with rotational spread visible on IN GOD WE TRUST — indicating the hub shifted along a curved path between impressions. Five die states document an unusually complete working life: Stage A shows EDS, Stage B advances to MDS. Stage C develops die cracks across the bust and in the hair. Stage D reaches LDS with additional cracking. Stage E carries further deterioration in VLDS condition. The progression through five documented states means specimens exist across a wide range of die fatigue, from sharp early impressions to heavily cracked late examples. The FS-103 cross-reference places this among the varieties most widely recognized by third-party grading services, ensuring it receives attribution on certified holders. Philadelphia's 1941 Washington Quarter output preceded America's entry into World War II by months.

Die Markers

• UVC-0156
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Die crack across bust into front field – LDS
• Light die crack in upper hair
• Die crack down eagle's Right wing – LDS
• Stage D:
• Die crack extends into queue – LDS
• Die crack down eagle's Right wing extends to Q of QUARTER – LDS
• Stage E:
• Die crack across bust extends through queue – VLDS
• Die crack from eagle's head East to wing – VLDS
• Die crack from S of PLURIBUS to wing under AMER of AMERICA

Attribution History

• Discovered by Delma K. Romines
• FS-103
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References